“John Carter” begins by telling us we really don’t know Mars. Perhaps defensively, the filmmakers are inviting us to open our minds about the red planet, the film’s setting. Throw out everything you know about Mars and it will be okay, at least for the most part.

For starters, Mars is called Barsoom and is populated by warring inhabitants, deadly creatures, and manipulative spiritual leaders. This is the atmosphere that the earthling John Carter (Taylor Kitsch) has come to face.

Based on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic, “A Princess of Mars,” the first novel in his Barsoom series, “John Carter” is a big-budget extravaganza ($250 million and counting) that is intriguingly entertaining and wantonly captivating. Read More...

This week on Manny’s Movie Weekend Giveaway, we have fantastic prizes from the film “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” from Universal Pictures. One lucky winner will take home the following (to watch my movie review of "DR. SEUSS' THE LORAX" click here):

It’s as easy as that! So what are you waiting for? Go to my Facebook page right now, and good luck!

Sorry international friends, this is only for U.S. residents

Here’s more on “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” from Universal:

Synopsis

A boy searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.

Production Details

In Theaters • March 2, 2012MPAA Rating PG (for for mild brief language)Genres Adaptation, Animated, Family, Action/AdventureDistributors Universal PicturesAlso Known As • The LoraxProduction Status Awaiting ReleaseProduced In United States

Sony pictures has closed a deal to acquire the Valiant Comics series, "Bloodshot," according to Deadline. Neal Moritz will produce through his Original Film Banner along with Jason Kothair and Dinesh Shamdasani for Valiant Entertainment. Jeff Wadlow ("Prey," "Cry Wolf") will write the script.

Bloodshot was launched in the mid 1990s on the back of a wave of popularity for the Valiant Universe. Bloodshot became an immediate hit with readers, as the first issue has sold close to 1 million copies. Bloodshot has become one of the most popular Valiant characters continuing a long run and selling millions more copies until Acclaim Entertainment purchased the Valiant Universe for $65 million. Bloodshot comics have been translated into a number of languages including German, Italian, Spanish, Norwegian, Filipino and Chinese[1][2] among others. Bloodshot was re-booted (with the majority of the other Valiant Universe characters) under the banner of Acclaim Comics in 1996. Acclaim re-launched the title in a new direction that was more easily adaptable to video games which was their core business. Valiant Entertainment is the current owner of the Valiant catalog, including Bloodshot.

Brad Pitt is joining fellow Oscar contender, George Clooney, for a one-night only event on stage! The dynamic duo are teaming up for Oscar-winner Dustin Lance Black's Proposition 8 play simply called "8."

The play is this Saturday, March 3rd, at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles. Click here for more info on "8."

Directed by Rob Reiner (check out video of him below explaining "8"), the play chronicles the historic trial in challenging the legality of California's Proposition 8. "8" will benefit the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER). Click here to visit the Facebook page of "8."

If you want to see "8" online, the play will be live-streamed from the AFER YouTube channel on Saturday at 7:45 PT.

Here's the star-studded cast and characters:

Brad Pitt -- US District Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker who overturned California's gay marriage ban calling it unconstitutional after a tril in July and August of 2010

George Clooney -- the liberal counsel David Boies who teamed up with the conservative Theodore B. Olson (Martin Sheen) to promote marriage equality